HUGS@Home

HUGS@Home is a not-for-profit social enterprise who’s mission is to prepare first-responders and their loved ones to recognise and talk about workplace stress, through practical psychological first aid techniques.

Our vision is to create a culture where first-responders feel supported in talking about mental health, without fear or stigma, with colleagues, peers, professionals, or family members. First responders deal with exceptionally high rates of work-related stress, mental health issues and suicidality due to their increased exposure to potentially traumatic incidents, as well as organisational and every-day stressors. Various psychosocial supports are available in their workplaces, yet due to mental health stigma and unique workplace cultures, these are sometimes not accessible or suitable and so first responders lean on family and friends for support. This issue potentially affects 10,000 firefighters and paramedics in Ireland, with similar issues.

Family and friends are ideally placed to provide practical and emotional support to their first responders, in the form of psychological first aid, and research suggests that this support mitigates post-traumatic stress symptoms. HUGS@Home provides more accessible pathways to help-seeking for first responders who serve our communities in times of need, to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention approaches to maintaining mental health. Operating on a proactive rather than reactive basis, HUGS@Home provide a four phased innovative programme of psychoeducation and crisis intervention.

Hugs at HomePromoters

Current status

  • Participating on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland (SEI) Impact Programme

Next steps

  • Spin-out in 2025